Planning a wedding in Devon? You've chosen one of England's most enchanting counties for your special day. From the rolling hills of Dartmoor to the stunning coastline, Devon offers couples breathtaking backdrops for their celebrations. But what about the details that set the tone before your guests even arrive—your wedding invitations?
At Princetown Press, nestled in the heart of Dartmoor, we believe your wedding stationery should be as unique and memorable as your love story. That's where the timeless art of letterpress printing comes in.
What Makes Letterpress Wedding Invitations Special?
Letterpress printing isn't just another printing method—it's a craft that dates back centuries. When you run your fingers over a letterpress invitation, you'll feel the gentle impression left by metal type pressed into beautiful paper. It's this tactile quality that makes letterpress wedding stationery so distinctive and luxurious.
Unlike digital printing, letterpress creates a physical impression in the paper, giving each piece a handcrafted feel that your guests will notice the moment they open the envelope. It's the difference between mass-produced and truly bespoke.
Why Choose Hand-Printed Wedding Stationery?
In our digital age, receiving something genuinely handmade feels increasingly special. When couples choose to create their own letterpress wedding invitations, they're not just saving money—they're adding a personal touch that can't be replicated by any high-street printer.
The process itself becomes part of your wedding story. Imagine telling your guests that you and your beloved spent a day (or two) in a traditional print studio on Dartmoor, carefully selecting typefaces, mixing inks, and printing each invitation by hand. It's these personal details that make weddings truly memorable.
The Letterpress Process: Simpler Than You Think
Many couples worry that letterpress printing is too complicated for beginners, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The beauty of working in a proper print studio is that all the technical knowledge is provided for you.
Here's what the process typically involves:
Design and Planning: You'll work with experienced printers to select the perfect typeface for your invitation. Whether you arrive with a clear vision or need inspiration, the design process is collaborative and supportive.
Type Setting: Using traditional metal type, your invitation text is carefully arranged. This hands-on process helps you understand the craft whilst ensuring perfect spacing and alignment.
Ink Selection: From classic black to bespoke colours that match your wedding theme, you'll choose inks that reflect your personal style.
Printing: Using heritage letterpress equipment, you'll print each invitation yourself. The rhythmic process of feeding paper, positioning, and printing creates a meditative experience that many couples find surprisingly relaxing.
What You Can Create
Most couples start with their main wedding invitation, but the possibilities extend far beyond that single piece:
- Save the dates
- Main wedding invitations
- RSVP cards
- Order of service booklets
- Thank you cards
- Menu cards
A full day in the studio typically allows for one design (such as your main invitation), whilst a two-day experience lets you tackle both save the dates and invitations—perfect for couples who want a completely coordinated suite.
The Devon Advantage
Devon is rapidly becoming one of England's most sought-after wedding destinations, and for good reason. The county offers everything from rustic barn venues to elegant country houses, dramatic coastlines to the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park.
What many couples don't realise is that Dartmoor itself—often overlooked in favour of Devon's famous coastline—provides some of the most spectacular wedding venues in the South West. Ancient stone circles, historic inns, and stunning moorland vistas create unforgettable settings for celebrations.
Creating your wedding stationery in the heart of this landscape adds another layer to your Devon wedding story. The dramatic beauty of Dartmoor influences everything we do at our Princetown studio, from the natural materials we choose to the peaceful atmosphere that makes the creative process so enjoyable.
Complete Beginners Welcome
If you're someone who loves the idea of creating something beautiful but feels nervous about diving in alone, working in a supportive studio environment with expert guidance is the perfect solution.
We've developed studio processes specifically designed to support those who might feel overwhelmed by creative decisions about their big day or worry about making mistakes. Our approach is gentle, encouraging, and designed to build confidence rather than create pressure.
Beyond the Invitations: The Complete Experience
Creating letterpress wedding stationery isn't just about the final product—it's about the experience itself. The process encourages you to slow down, work with your hands, and create something together. In the midst of wedding planning stress, you may find the methodical nature of letterpress printing genuinely therapeutic as you get to slow down and focus only on what's in front of you.
Practical Considerations
Timing: Plan to create your stationery at least 8-12 weeks before you need to send invitations. This gives you time for the creative process and ensures you're not rushing.
Quantities: You can typically print up to 150 invitations in a single session, which covers most wedding guest lists comfortably.
Weather: The studio atmosphere is part of the authentic experience, though it's worth noting that our Dartmoor location means the space is unheated. Spring through autumn offers the most comfortable working conditions.
Accessibility: We're happy to discuss any accommodations that might improve your experience in the studio.
Making It Happen
Ready to create wedding stationery that truly reflects your love story? At Princetown Press, we've moved to a flexible booking system that allows you to reserve studio time when it works best for you.
Whether you're planning an intimate Dartmoor ceremony or a grand Devon celebration, hand-printed letterpress stationery adds a touch of timeless elegance that your guests will treasure long after your special day.
Ready to get started? Book your letterpress studio time and begin creating wedding stationery that's as unique as your love story. We'll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you leave with beautiful invitations and memories to last a lifetime.